Machame Route 6 Days

Machame Route 6 Days

Machame is the debatable second most popular trail and is considered harder than Marangu. Many believe that Machame is the more scenic route because the descent trail (Mweka) is different to the ascent trail, giving climbers more variety in scenery. The different descent trail also helps to avoid upcoming trekkers, as they use a separate trail. It does, however, have more “ups and downs” than the Marangu route (which some say helps with altitude acclimatization). When climbing this route, you walk up the western side of the mountain. The Machame Route is a fantastic opportunity to combine mountain skills and experience. It maximises the time and options available for climbing and allows for a more leisurely pace.

Overview

Machame is the debatable second most popular trail and is considered harder than Marangu. Many believe that Machame is the more scenic route because the descent trail (Mweka) is different to the ascent trail, giving climbers more variety in scenery.

The different descent trail also helps to avoid upcoming trekkers, as they use a separate trail. It does, however, have more “ups and downs” than the Marangu route (which some say helps with altitude acclimatization). When climbing this route, you walk up the western side of the mountain.

The Machame Route is a fantastic opportunity to combine mountain skills and experience. It maximises the time and options available for climbing and allows for a more leisurely pace.

The nights are spent camping, and we provide top mountain guides, porters and safari chefs to look after you. Camping equipment is provided and it is carried by the porters. There are no shower / bath facilities while doing the climb, and toilets will be long drops. You will be provided with a bowl of warm water each morning, on request, to wash with.

It is advisable to “walk high, sleep low” – so after a short rest at the camps, walk up another few hundred metres and then return to camp for the evening. This will help you with acclimatisation to the altitude and assist with a successful summit.

Kilimanjaro National Park comprises the area above the 2,700 metre contour. It includes the moorland and highland zones, Shira Plateau, Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. In addition, the Park has six corridors, or rights of way, through the Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve. The Forest Reserve, which is also a Game Reserve, was established in 1921. The Park was established in 1973 and officially opened in 1977.

The Park exists to preserve Mount Kilimanjaro outstanding scenic and geological features and its flora and fauna for the use and enjoyment of all people, present and future. This is also the aim of the Forest and Game Reserve below the Park itself, and these different agencies are co-operative in the conservation of all the mountain’s resources.

This route offers some of the best scenery – ascending from the western side of Kilimanjaro, and descending down the south face. All tents and camping equipment are portered for you, with meals being prepared by cooks.

Itinerary

Arrival day
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by a representative from Keys Hotel and transferred to the hotel in Moshi (approx. 1 – 1 ½ hours’ drive), where you will overnight. Continental breakfast included.
Overnight Keys Hotel Moshi (D)

Day 01

After an early breakfast, you will be driven to the National Park gate (approx. one hour) and here you will meet your guide and porters. The guide has an amount of paperwork to do at the gate, as well as organising the porters – these things take time (African time!) – please relax, sit down and enjoy the scenery – don’t get anxious about starting off – it will only get you stressed out. The larger the group, the longer it will take – be prepared to wait for anything from 1 – 2 hours. You might be required to queue and sign the register yourself to enter the national park, so keep your passport number somewhere handy.

You will start off walking through the tropical rain forest with magnificent tree ferns and you might even be lucky enough to spot some of the Colobus monkeys.

The first part of the hike follows a 4×4 track, after which it becomes narrower and steeper, following one of the ridges up the mountain. A packed lunch will be handed to you when you depart the hotel, and the guide will stop the group at the appropriate place for you to have your lunch and a bit of a breather. At the end of the days walk you will end up at Machame Hut at around 3000m.

Pack all your gear in plastic bags inside your duffel bag and cover the bag with a bin liner to ensure that it is waterproof.
Keep one out for your personal backpack too if it does not have a built-in splash cover. Wear your hiking boots today and ensure you keep your wet weather gear with you. Shorts and t-shirt should be sufficient.

Although National Parks have done a LOT of work on the trails, there are patches on the route where it might still be VERY wet and muddy, and you may end up with pretty wet boots this evening.

Ensure your boots are waterproofed, and that you have spare lightweight shoes to wear in camp this evening. ALWAYS keep your boots and water bottles INSIDE the tent at night – otherwise they will freeze.

Fill up your water bottle at night and purify it – allowing some of the chlorine fumes to dissipate. Take it SLOWLY today; you will encounter some steep parts on the climb – but generally it’s not too strenuous.

The porters walk ahead and sometimes with you – make sure every day, that you have all your personal gear needed with you, as you will not have access to your bag.

The porters will set up camp and the guide will prepare your meals. Conditions are difficult on this route, and your guide/porters will do everything they can to make your climb pleasant and as comfortable as possible.

In addition to this your guide will discuss each day’s activities with you after dinner each night on the mountain. Eat well – at higher levels your appetite will diminish.

Overnight Machame Hut area 3000m

Day 02

Ascend to Shira Hut, 3800m. Depart from Machame Camp, and keep following the ridge you ascended on yesterday. You are now in the heather zone and will see spectacular lichens and bright colours – also keep an eye out for the local variety of Protea that grows in this area.

When on the way up keep an eye out for Mount Meru in the distance, it should be peeping through the clouds. There are also some vantage points along the way where you will get your first really good views of the cone of Kibo today.

The hike is steep, but at a relatively constant gradient – so keep going at your slow, steady pace, and you will surely get there. Further along the route there are a few flatter sections, with a few steep ascents in between. After one of these steep ascents you will be on a flat rocky bluff called Picnic Rock, where you normally have lunch. From the lunch stop you will start traversing westwards, which makes the hiking a lot easier, as it is at a more relaxed angle.

One or two relatively steep spots along the way, but nothing serious. After crossing the ridge, you will descend down to camp on the Shira Plateau. Take a jersey with you today, as it cools down considerably during and after lunch. Again, keep your wet weather gear handy and some snacks for the route. Drink plenty of water. Today you should take Diamox (if planning to) – in the morning.

You may experience tingling fingers, toes and nose from this drug. As it is a diuretic, it is most important to keep your fluid intake high.
Camp at Shira – it’s an exposed and cold campsite. You may get wind and rain/sleet and in the morning the ground and tents could be frozen over. Magnificent sunsets and sunrises though!

Overnight Shira Camp 3800m

Day 03

Today is a long and tiring day, but essential to your acclimatisation. You will start off at 3800 m, walk up to 4500m (skirting just below Lava Tower) and dropping back down to 3900m at Barranco Camp.

You will be walking up a ridge, straight toward the cone of Kibo, and have good views of the ice fields on the western side of the mountain. There could be great differences in the weather here – especially if clouds start blowing in – so remember your sun block and wet weather gear.

On parts of the route toward Lava Tower it looks like a lunar landscape, with nothing but dust and huge round lava rocks. Lunch is normally taken in the vicinity of Lava Tower, and for those feeling strong enough, discuss with your guide walking up to it.

From here there are a few steep downhill sections, especially to get back down to Barranco. The night temperature – again cold with night frosts, especially if the wind drops down from the peak over the glaciers. Magnificent view of Kibo from camp and the Umbwe Valley below.

Overnight Barranco Camp 3900m

Day 04

The first obstacle this morning is a steep rocky ridge known as the Barranco or Breach Wall. It looks like a sheer rock face, but there is a relatively easy pathway that meanders up it. It should take you about 3 hours to overcome this obstacle, and to have a well-earned rest at the top with spectacular views of Kibo once again. Keep traversing eastwards, before descending sharply into the Karanga Valley.

There are some sections on the downhill that are quite slippery, so take care, but your trusty guides will always be with you to advise the best options. There is a short, but steep ascent out of the valley to Karanga on the other side at 4200m.
From Karanga you will continue traversing across to Barafu, 4600m, approx. 4-5 hours walking. On the way you will see shale rock – some of it paper-thin. You will see the camp of Barafu nestle on a rock outcrop as you approach.

Steep ascent to the camp. You will be able to rest up at Barafu to gather strength for the summit attempt that will follow this evening. Learn to pace yourself with your breathing – do not try to rush to catch up with anyone, go at your own, most comfortable speed and you will arrive at base camp relatively comfortably.

Listen to your guide/s they will help you.

It could be very cold today – especially when you rest or the wind picks up – dress warmly, again you may expect some sleet on this day. You will be walking through the cloud. Relax for the rest of the afternoon after arriving at camp.

After supper, drink as much tea as possible and settle down (option with a sleeping pill**) for an early night. You are likely to have a pretty bad headache at this stage.

If you are vomiting, or hallucinating, talk to your guide. He will make the decision as to whether you are able to continue. If you plan to take Decadron, do so before going to bed. Drink plenty of fluids, as you are in a ‘desert’ area – albeit cold, and tomorrow will be a long hard day. Overnight camping.

Overnight Barafu Camp 4600m

Day 05

Today is a very long and strenuous day. Drink lots of fluid before you start. You will be very thirsty by the end of the day – if you can manage, carry 3 litres of fluid with you today. You will be woken at about 0030hrs or 0100hrs, with tea and a biscuit.

Put on all your clothing ready for the final ascent. You will be climbing up scree for approximately 4-5 hours. The guide will stop frequently to rest and check on his group. It is very important to listen to your body and breathing and try to get into a rhythm. Because of the slowness of your walk, your fingers and toes are likely to get extremely cold – three pairs of socks should be considered for today and two pairs of gloves (inner and warm outer).
The views from the mountain (on the way up) are spectacular – you gain incredible height over a short distance. You arrive at Stella Point (5750 m), just at the top of the crater, have a rest -the sun should be shining!

From here continue on a relatively easy path up to Uhuru peak (5 895 m), the highest point in Africa.

Your water bottle is probably frozen at this stage, and on reaching the summit there will be a certain relief, mixed with elation, amongst the group.

You will descend from Stella to Barafu. Depending on the timing of your summit, you will be able to have a short rest here (maybe a sleep) and something to eat, before continuing down the Mweka Route.

You will travel down quickly on the scree gasping in more oxygen, step by step.
This is a long descent and Mweka Camp always seems to be on the ‘next hill’ – never arriving.

It is likely you may experience seizure of joints – particularly knees today – keep a support bandage with you for this descent, and perhaps some anti-inflammatory pills/cream.

Arrival at Mweka Camp (approx. 3000 m) on the edge of the rainforest, late afternoon, overnight camping. It is now time to reflect on the day’s achievements.

Overnight Mweka Camp 3000m

Day 06

After breakfast you will have a three to four-hour descent through the pretty rainforest to the park gate. Here you will sign out of the park for the last time and the vehicle will meet you.

There are generally beers and cokes for sale at the park gate. Transfer by vehicle to the hotel (approximately 90-minute drive) ready for an evening of celebration by the swimming pool.

Certificates are generally handed out by the guides, either at the gate or on occasion they may join you for a celebratory drink at the hotel.

Overnight at the Rose Hotel Arusha (D)

Departure Day (B)

Seven-day hike, plus 2 nights at base hotel. From Moshi/back to Arusha.
Bed, breakfast and dinner included at the hotel, full board on the mountain.

Price is AUD$3450.00 per person twin share
Porter tips US$200 per person additional

Please note tents are twin share on the mountain.

Notes

Important Notes

About

From Wayne Wetherall – Wild Spirit Adventures

When you choose a climb or adventure operator there are certain points that should be checked before you place your life in their hands. Everyone has their own set of criteria – we list below some important issues regarding your Mt Kilimanjaro Climb that may be of interest.

There are a few more points that may help you in this decision:

Price issues – these always come up when groups “research“trips and then compare options. Some will want to go for the cheapest option, some want the better quality and peace of mind of booking through an experienced, reliable licensed operator. At the end of the day, you all buy safe vehicles, put safe tyres on them, and plan to live a long life – don’t compromise on something as important as summiting Kilimanjaro. Temperatures drop to minus 200C, and if you don’t have the correct gear, crew, food and so forth, you may be putting your life, and others, at risk. You want to get to the top, safely – and have a good time doing it.Just looking at our success rate of 95%+, and the AVERAGE success rate of about 50 – 60%, you have about a 30% better chance with us than a budget operator. You don’t want to waste your money. This is where our experienced staff, kit lists, detailed presentations at our offices etc help a LOT.

A lot of the reasons for our success rate boils down to money – we pay enough to get good guides, crew, and to buy you good food, and use decent equipment (which is maintained/upgraded regularly). When you consider that about $600 per person on a 6-day climb goes on park fees alone, and you work out what a budget operator has got left to run a business on, you can see that on budget trips corners will probably be cut. All to the detriment of YOU, the guest.

It has been estimated that in GOOD weather, your summit chances with a budget operator are probably only slightly less than if you climb with a decent operator. In BAD weather, the chances of summiting – indeed surviving without injury – are 40% better with a higher standard of climb. Basically a good, qualified, well paid crew, with decent leadership and good gear, is what you need – and get – from our standard of climb. It is not a luxury trip, but we ensure that both standards and service are maintained to a high level. Our trips are not cheap – and they never will be. We pay our crew well, use good gear, pay local taxes, operate ethically etc. You will however, get good value for money and a good chance at the summit.

Consider the above points well – they are ALL questions you should be asking. I am confident that, knowing the above, we will soon see you on a Wild Spirit Kilimanjaro Climb. If you want cheap, we suggest you contact many of the other “operators“ out there.

Hope to see you up there soon.

Wayne Wetherall
Wild Spirit Adventures

Mountain Safety

Safety, when undergoing these treks, is important to us and we strive to give you all available and necessary information in regards to your health and well being while going on your adventure. We strongly recommend you read the following pages of information on mountain safety – particularly in regards to health issues that can occur at high altitudes and in unfamilar climates.

High Altitude Travel Notes
Medical List and Altitude Sickness

Inclusion

What’s Included

What’s Excluded

Adventure Grade

“Adventure Grade” Camping Safaris

“Adventure Grade” Camping Safaris are run with a crew of a cook / assistant plus guide. It is a viable option for those keen to camp and stay in more remote places.

You are accompanied by an experienced, knowledgeable guide, a camp assistant and a cook – all fully trained professionals who will prioritise your comfort and safety as well as striving to ensure optimal game-viewing opportunities throughout your journey.

Meals usually consist of a cooked breakfast or brunch, light lunch and a three course dinner. Fridges are used for safe and efficient storage of meat and food, and cool boxes are used for keeping your drinks cold – your guide will show you the best places to purchase these prior to departure and along the way.

You are requested to erect your own tent on arrival at camp and dismantle your tent on departure. This is very simple to do and takes about five minutes – your guide will show you how this is done. The balance of the chores (cooking, washing up, etc) will be taken care of by the camp assistant and cook.

It is important to note that this is a quality camping product, and not a luxury mobile camp. Accommodation is in the public campsites of Tanzania’s National Parks and, despite our best efforts, we have very little control over the quality and standards of ablution facilities at the campsite.

Please be aware that the toilets in public campsites are long-drop style without flush.

Game viewing at Lake Manyara National Park with picnic lunch included.

Lake Manyara is a shallow, alkaline lake at the base of a sheer stretch of the western Rift Valley escarpment.

The north-western area of this lake is protected in a 330 square kilometre national park, which contains a remarkable diversity of terrestrial habitats: the grassy floodplain of the lakeshore, the rocky base of the escarpment, a belt of thick acacia woodland and a lush patch of groundwater forest just inside the northern entrance gate. An interesting biodiversity of fauna and flora can be observed here and a variety of large mammal species including elephant, buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe and lion.

Perhaps, however, the most immediately visible residents are the troupes of olive baboon, sometimes found in the company of the smaller and rather beautiful blue monkey. This is also a wonderful location for viewing groups of elephant and, for keen birders, Manyara has recorded almost 400 species due to the wide habitat diversity.

After game viewing, you will weave your way upwards into the dense forest slopes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, pausing to admire the splendid view of the crater floor 600 m below at Heroes Point, before driving on to our campsite on the rim of the Ngorongoro caldera.

If we arrive and set up camp in good time, you may consider an early evening/sunset visit to a Maasai boma where you can spend some time learning about the culture, traditions and beliefs of this ancient, noble warrior tribe. This visit is at an additional cost, and should be discussed with, and paid directly to the guide.

Gear List

Trekking Gear List – Mount Kilimanjaro

(This is our recommendation of gear required)

Gear List – Mount Kilimanjaro

Camping Trekking Gear
Camping Trekking Gear
1150 litre kitbag for porter can be hired
1Daypack (for personal use) can be hired
1Sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner (at least -5 rating) can be hired
1Self inflating mattress - 2 foam rolls are supplied but will not give a great level of comfort
1Pillow (optional)

(Inflatable travel pillow or cushion insert – do not bring full size pillow)
1-2Walking poles – this is essential can be hired
1-2Gloves, 1 inner thin pair plus thicker outer glove or mitts, water and wind proof
1Torch (and spare batteries)
1Head Torch (and spare batteries)
2Dry bags or waterproof bags (available from camping stores) or garbage bags to keep clothing dry in kitbag
Water - need minimum of 4 litres

(your choice of water bottles or water bladder, you will need easy access to bottles)
3ltrBackpack bladder and 1 water bottle (for mixing supplements)
1Water drink bottles
1Waterproofing product
Camera + lots of film, spare batteries, disposable camera

(Note: Cameras and video recorders cannot be charged on the Mountain as there is no electricity)
Clothing

All clothing should be LAYERED for maximum warmth. Lightweight layers – usually thermal plus 3 layers and a down jacket for the final ascent. DO NOT take heavy woolen jumpers or jackets.

CLOTHING
1Walking boots (waterproof) and spare boot laces
1Lightweight shoes to wear in camp at night e.g. running shoes
2Tracksuit/ fleece pants for colder days & evenings
1Waterproof pants , lightweight and breathable can be hired
2Thermal underwear polypropylene or similar, must be breathable
4Long sleeved lightweight fleecy shirts for layering
2Synthetic pants and shirts, breathable and wind-resistant, highly recommend the zip-off pants
1-2‘skins’ style sports clothing shorts

(highly recommended, great to reduce chafing)
1Waterproof Jacket Gortex or similar. Breathable wind and waterproof jacket, must have a hood can be hired
1Lightweight poncho – for heavy rain
5Thick Synthetic hiking style socks
5Thin socks to help prevent blisters
3Comfortable underwear / bras
1Gaiters alpine type, not the anklets can be hired
1Warm fleece hat or balaclava, need to ensure ears are covered
1Microfiber Towels
1Scarf/ Buff to keep the neck warm
Extras

Below are some ‘optional extras’

EXTRAS
Diaryandpen
Smallmirror
Playingcards
Large zip lock bags (for personal items, clothes, lollies)
Medical Kit
Medical Kit
Medications as Prescribed by your Doctor

(Anti malaria, antibiotics for wounds and infections, anti inflammatory, anti vomiting, epi-pen etc…)
1Diamox for altitude sickness, max of 3 per day
12Gastrolyte (must have)
1Endura Powder (available from Chemists)
1Headache Tablets
1Diarrhoea Tablets
1Travel Calm Tablets
1Anti-Inflammatory medications (eg. Ibrofen, Voltaren, Nurofen)
1Antihistamines (e.g. Telfast, Phenergan 10mg)
Multivitamins / B1 Tablets (start a couple of weeks prior to trek)
2Antibacterial hand gel (e.g. Aqium)
1pktBlister Pads (optional)
1Roll of strapping tape
smallVaseline (blisters)
2pktLarge size band-aids (Elastoplast)
1Knee and/or ankle guards
1Antiseptic lotion/cream (e.g. Paraderm Plus, Betadine, Bepanthen)
1Papaw ointment
1Hydrocortisone cream (for bites)
10Cotton wool balls
3Insect repellent roll-on / cream

(we suggest ‘Bushman Plus’ – always keep it on)
2pktWater purification tablets (highly recommend)
1Sunscreen (always keep it on)
1Sunglasses – wrap-around style for UV protection
1Salt tablets
3pktGlucose Jelly Beans or Glucose lollies
4 pktsGlucodin Tablets
For every dayMunchies (chocolates, muesli bars, lollies, beef jerky, nuts etc...)
Repair Kit

For broken bags, boots – these items can be shared amongst a group

Repair Kit
10Long cable ties
1Electrical tape
1Pocket knife or Multi tool
1Small super glue
Toiletries
TOILETRIES
Toothbrush
1Toothpaste
1Roll on deodorant
1Razor
2Rolls of toilet paper
1Wet ones
1Soap
1Zinc cream for protection from UV rays and dry air
1Ladies hygiene products
1Antibacterial Hand Gel

* If travelling with friends or part of a group you may be able to share some of the above items e.g. creams / lotions.
* This list is our recommendation of what to take

FAQs

FAQ - The Kilimanjaro

The Kilimanjaro Adventurer

Contingencies

In case one person gets sick and has to stay behind or even return, he or she will be accompanied by one of the assistant guides while other climbers go on with the leading guide and other assistant guide(s). Unlike most other companies who charge about US$100, we provide a free transfer from the mountain to the hotel should a climber return earlier than planned. However, if the climb is extended for any reason, we will charge $170 per day per person.

Excludes

Travel insurance, tips (budget approx USD130-150 per person for any of the six day camping route), drinks and items of a personal nature, personal equipment. Airport transfers and shuttle bus optional extra.

Flights

It is imperative that you reconfirm your onward/return flights.

Health

Please note you will need a Yellow Fever inoculation, this must be done no later than 10 days prior to departure. If you have had any previous history of liver disorders you must consult your physician first. Malaria prophylactics are a must. Please refer to our medical sheet for the mountain.

Mt Kilimanjaro

“As wide as all the world, great, high, and unbelievably white in the sun,
was the square top of Mount Kilimanjaro” Ernest Hemingway.

The first written reference to Mt. Kilimanjaro was by Ptolemy but even so, Africa’s highest mountain and the highest free standing mountain in the world remained relatively unknown to the outside world until 1848.

Snow capped and shrouded by clouds, the local Chagga people called it ‘Kilema Kyaro’ meaning ‘that which cannot be conquered’ or ‘that which makes a journey impossible.’ Today, it is the dream of every adventurer to conquer its summit and stand on the “roof of Africa.”

Situated south of the equator – in Tanzania – at 19 340 feet, (5895m) this is Africa’s highest mountain and the highest “free standing” mountain in the world.

Huge permanent glaciers flow down from the summit, and spectacular views and beautiful ice formations are the reward for the successful trekker, as well as the satisfaction of conquering this mighty peak.

It is not for the faint-hearted – this will test you to your limits, mentally as well as physically. The main problems encountered are altitude sickness, which can be countered by use of medicines, and lack of oxygen.

The standard route is a hike – no climbing as such. It is very cold – correct kit is a must – but our kit lists and hire equipment are top quality. We have personally done the major routes; so can offer first hand advice.

Good preparation and advice, as well as good guides on the mountain, have given us an over 95% success rate (the average is 60%) – this type of thing is a “once in a lifetime ” challenge, and must not be taken lightly.

We ensure that all our climbers have all the facts – medical list, equipment list, etc, long before they travel – possibly the reason for our success rate.

Any reasonably fit person who enjoys walking can reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. The youngest to make it was nine years old – the oldest seventy-nine.

While thousands of people scramble to the top of Kilimanjaro each year, there are some extremely severe climbs available to the experienced mountaineer. There are several principal hiking routes up the mountain, like the Marangu (Coca Cola), Shira, Londorossi, Rongai, Umbwe and Machame.

The Shira plateau can be reached with a four-wheel drive vehicle up to 4 000 metres. These routes are marked and provided with simple bivouac huts and water, we choose to camp on all of these routes (except Marangu which offers communal huts)

The Machame route is one of the more scenic routes up the mountain, after the Umbwe route, this is probably the most beautiful route by which to ascend the mountain. Nights are spent in ‘alpine tents’ sleeping two persons per tent (three person tents, so there is space for your luggage).

All your supplies and camping equipment are portaged up for you (tents, 20-25 mm compressed foam sleeping mats, awnings, stools, lights, etc), and your meals are prepared.

Your personal baggage limit is 12kg for the climb.

South African tents and sleeping mats are supplied on this trip.
The Keys Hotel, your base hotel, is located in Moshi and has a swimming pool, indoor bar and garden area, patio, restaurant and satellite television coverage. The rooms are clean, neat and comfortable. Showers are en-suite with hot/cold water. It is one of the best hotels in town, although fairly basic by South African standards. The staff are very friendly and ‘nothing is too much trouble’.

The guides employed are excellent (some have climbed Kili over 400 times)! They are employed by the Keys Hotel and have looked after a multitude of our clients. Each trip is lead by a senior guide, with other guides in a ratio of approximately one guide per 2 or 3 climbers – if you are a bit slower than the rest or get ill and have to descend, a guide will always be with you.

Food served on the mountain is generally plain and wholesome, including a lot of carbohydrates, stews and soups, vegetables and fresh fruit. Vegetarians are catered for, but please notify us in advance.

When flying, we strongly suggest you wear / carry on your boots, wet weather gear and cameras – these are crucial for your climb, and you do not want to risk losing them in the hold. Make sure you have your yellow fever certificate with you – as it will be asked for on in Tanzania and on arrival back home.

On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by a Representative from Keys Hotel and transferred to the hotel in Moshi (approx 1 – 1 ½ hour’s drive), where you will overnight including a continental breakfast.

There are two sister hotels – Keys Mbokomo and Keys Uru. Both of these hotels have good views of Mount Kilimanjaro and are classified as modern “Tourist” standard hotels.
They are of medium size, and rooms are all en-suite.
Some have air-conditioning, television and mini-bar.

Meals consist of buffet continental breakfast, full restaurant meals, bar snacks served all day and occasional barbecues. A bar with a full range of drinks including beers, bottled
water and soft drinks is available.

Amenities include room service, full laundry service, swimming pool, international telephone, facsimile and internet services, car parking and security.
Leave any excess clothing and valuables at the hotel – they will lock them up for
you.

Pack your bag carefully for the climb – remember the weight limit of 12kg.

The best time to Climb Mt Kilimanjaro
The best time to climb Mt Kilimanjaro is during its two dry seasons, January to mid-March and June to October. You can trek Kilimanjaro in the rainy season but not only is there a much higher chance of trekking in the rain, the summits of Kibo and Mawenzi are likely to be wreathed in thick cloud too. Christmas and New Year, when the weather is far from perfect, are actually the most popular times for climbing Kilimanjaro.

Payments for drinks and extras at Keys Hotel

For all payments made by Travellers Cheque there is a service charge of US $15. Also all payments made by Credit Cards, attracts a surcharge of 7.5%.
Please pay preferably by CASH USD, small denomination notes are recommended (1’s, 5’s, 10’s etc for the smaller bills).
Telephone Calls are EXTREMELY expensive from the hotel for various reasons; please ASK FIRST before you call!

Phone Home / Let the world know you made it!!!

There is cell phone network coverage on certain parts of Kilimanjaro and in
Tanzania, so remember to organise an international roaming facility.

Please note

SOLO climber rate – This includes single room supplement at the hotel, single tent supplement on mountain, and solo climber supplement, i.e. to climb privately, not part of a group. Should you request for an individual to join a group, we cannot always guarantee the availability of others to climb, and therefore retain the right to charge the solo rate should we be unsuccessful in finding others to climb with your client.

Set Departures vs. Private Climbs Mt Kilimanjaro

Due to popular demand, we have group departures on the Marangu, Machame and Umbwe routes throughout the year.
When you book, kindly advise if your guests would like a PRIVATE or GROUP departure. Should it be the latter, we will endeavour to put them with other guests on the climb itself. Generally, Saturday arrival (Sunday climb) is the most popular days of the week as such we can more readily put your guests with others over the weekends.
Your consultant will confirm with you if your clients will be climbing with others or not, and the approximate group size during the booking process. We cannot guarantee a group departure, as certain times of the year are busier than others – and should you guest be travelling alone, then the solo / single supplement would still apply.

Tipping

Tipping our porters, guides and cooks is an important way for us to supplement their wages. The following is a guide on what to expect to pay while in East Africa. Guide: US$10 Porter: US$5 Assistant Guide: US$7 Cook: US$4

This tipping structure is per group/per day. This is a local payment and cannot be paid directly to Wild Spirit Adventures. The amount you tip will depend on which Track you do however on average it adds approximately US$150 – US$250 to the cost of the expedition. All companies use this tipping arrangement.

Tips

The tips have become a tradition, and are expected by the guides and porters for all attempting Kilimanjaro. Please budget around USD 170- 190 for this six day camping hike – per climber – which gets split across the group. Old clothing is also appreciated! Please do not provide tips whilst on the mountain (see tipping document).

Visas

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Tanzania, which you can obtain on
arrival for USD 50 per person (depending on your nationality).

Which is the best season on Kilimanjaro?

The January to March season tends to be colder and there is a much greater chance of snow on the path at this time. The days, however, are often clearer, with only the occasional brief shower. It is usually an exceptionally beautiful time to climb and is often a little quieter than the other peak season of June to October.

Add Ons

Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Safari

  • Duration: 2 Days
  • Led By: Locally LED
  • Price: $1,463.00

Ngorongoro & Serengeti Safari

  • Duration: 2 Days
  • Led By: Locally LED
  • Price: $1,463.00

Ngorongoro & Serengeti Safari

  • Duration: 5 Days
  • Led By: Locally LED
  • Price: $2,195.00

Ngorongoro & Serengeti Safari

  • Duration: 7 Days
  • Led By: Locally LED
  • Price: $2,395.00